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Italian Bean & Kale Stew

Featured in: Spicy Entrées

This hearty Italian stew blends tender cannellini beans with vibrant kale and aromatic herbs. Sautéed vegetables create a flavorful base, enhanced by garlic, oregano, and thyme. Simmered slowly in vegetable broth, the dish develops rich, comforting flavors perfect for a nutritious meal. Optional garnishes like Parmesan and parsley add freshness and depth, while the stew remains vegetarian and gluten-free, ideal for wholesome dining.

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Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 09:28:00 GMT
A steaming bowl of Italian Bean & Kale Stew, showcasing rustic textures and vibrant greens. Save
A steaming bowl of Italian Bean & Kale Stew, showcasing rustic textures and vibrant greens. | pepperplume.com

A hearty, rustic stew featuring tender beans, vibrant kale, and aromatic Italian flavors—perfect for a cozy, nutritious meal.

This Italian Bean & Kale Stew reminds me of cool evenings in Tuscany when a big pot of soup brought everyone to the kitchen. It's always a comforting choice for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Yellow onion: 1 large, diced
  • Carrots: 2 medium, diced
  • Celery: 2 stalks, diced
  • Garlic cloves: 3, minced
  • Kale: 1 large bunch, stems removed and leaves chopped (about 6 cups)
  • Cannellini beans: 2 cans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed
  • Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz), with juices
  • Vegetable broth: 4 cups (gluten-free if needed)
  • Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
  • Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
  • Salt and pepper: To taste
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: For garnish, optional (omit for vegan)
  • Chopped fresh parsley: For garnish, optional

Instructions

Sauté vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 7 minutes.
Add garlic:
Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add kale:
Add chopped kale and cook, stirring, until slightly wilted, about 2 minutes.
Add beans and tomatoes:
Add cannellini beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
Simmer stew:
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
Season:
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish and serve:
Ladle stew into bowls and garnish with Parmesan and parsley, if desired. Serve hot.
Hearty Italian Bean & Kale Stew, a comforting, gluten-free vegetarian meal, ready to enjoy. Save
Hearty Italian Bean & Kale Stew, a comforting, gluten-free vegetarian meal, ready to enjoy. | pepperplume.com

My family loves gathering around the table for this comforting stew, especially when served with crusty bread and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. It's always a hit with both kids and grown-ups.

Required Tools

Large soup pot or Dutch oven, cutting board and knife, wooden spoon or spatula, ladle

Allergen Information

Contains: None inherently, but check broth and cheese for allergens. Always verify labels for hidden wheat, dairy, or other allergens.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 310, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 48 g, Protein: 14 g

Close-up of the flavorful Italian Bean & Kale Stew, with simmered beans and fresh garnishes. Save
Close-up of the flavorful Italian Bean & Kale Stew, with simmered beans and fresh garnishes. | pepperplume.com

This Italian Bean & Kale Stew is nourishing and cozy. Enjoy leftovers for a healthy, quick lunch the next day.

Recipe FAQ

→ What beans are used in this dish?

Cannellini beans provide a creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the kale and herbs well.

→ Can I substitute the kale with other greens?

Yes, hearty greens like Swiss chard or spinach can be used, though cooking times may vary slightly.

→ How do I enhance the flavor of this stew?

Sautéing the onion, carrots, and celery thoroughly before adding liquids deepens the stew’s complexity.

→ Is it possible to make this stew spicier?

Adding crushed red pepper flakes during cooking adds a gentle heat that complements the savory herbs.

→ What is the best way to serve this dish?

Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley, optionally alongside crusty bread for a full meal.

Italian Bean & Kale Stew

A nourishing blend of tender beans, fresh kale, and Italian herbs simmered to perfection.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
40 min
Complete duration
55 min
Created by Isabella Flores


Complexity Easy

Heritage Italian

Output 4 Portions

Diet considerations Meat-free, No gluten

Components

Vegetables

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 2 medium carrots, diced
04 2 celery stalks, diced
05 3 garlic cloves, minced
06 1 large bunch kale, stems removed and chopped (about 6 cups)

Beans & Tomatoes

01 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
02 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices

Liquids & Seasonings

01 4 cups vegetable broth (gluten-free if needed)
02 1 teaspoon dried oregano
03 1 teaspoon dried thyme
04 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
05 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish (optional)

01 Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (omit for vegan)
02 Chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Phase 01

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, approximately 7 minutes.

Phase 02

Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Phase 03

Wilt Kale: Add chopped kale and cook while stirring until slightly wilted, about 2 minutes.

Phase 04

Incorporate Beans and Liquids: Add drained cannellini beans, diced tomatoes with juices, vegetable broth, dried oregano, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine.

Phase 05

Simmer Stew: Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.

Phase 06

Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.

Necessary tools

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Ladle

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and seek professional health advice if you're uncertain.
  • Check broth and cheese labels for dairy or gluten; Parmesan contains dairy.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 310
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Proteins: 14 g